Haigh was issued with a new phone but when she subsequently found her old work phone and turned it on, the police called her in for questioning…reports Asian Lite News
Louise Haigh has resigned as transport secretary after it emerged she has a fraud conviction for wrongly reporting her work mobile phone stolen in 2013. She said in a letter to the prime minister published on Friday that she is “totally committed to our political project” but believes “it will be best served by my supporting you from outside government”.
“I am sorry to leave under these circumstances, but I take pride in what we have done. I will continue to fight every day for the people of Sheffield Heeley who I was first and foremost elected to represent and to ensure that the rest of our programme is delivered in full,” she wrote.
Earlier, it emerged she had been convicted by Camberwell Green magistrates and given a conditional discharge after pleading guilty to an offence in connection with misleading the police. The incident happened when Haigh was in her 20s and was mugged on a night out while working for the insurer Aviva. She gave police a list of items she thought were missing from her handbag, but wrongly included her work phone which at the time she thought had been stolen.
Haigh was issued with a new phone but when she subsequently found her old work phone and turned it on, the police called her in for questioning. In her letter on Friday, Haigh said her appointment to cabinet as the “youngest ever woman remains one of the proudest achievements of my life”.
In response to her resignation letter, the prime minister, Keir Starmer, wrote: “Thank you for all you have done to deliver this government’s ambitious transport agenda. “You have made huge strides to take our rail system back into public ownership through the creation of Great British Railways, investing £1bn in our vital bus services and lowering cost for motorists.
“I know you still have a huge contribution to make in the future.” Haigh disclosed the conviction to Starmer when she was first appointed to his shadow cabinet and sources said he was supportive of her. As the conviction has now been spent it is no longer on her record.
Government officials denied that the review had been delayed, saying they had always been aiming to publish it between May and July. ..reports Asian Lite News
Rachel Reeves is planning to wait until June before announcing how much money Whitehall departments will get for the next three years, as officials warn it could take up to six months to agree budgets with individual cabinet ministers.
The chancellor previously said she would unveil the spending review in the spring, but people close to the process say that has now been pushed back until early summer in anticipation of complex and potentially fraught negotiations.
One person informed of the process said: “This was supposed to be done in spring but they’ve realised as they’ve started talking to ministers that it could be a much longer, more complex process.”
Government officials denied that the review had been delayed, saying they had always been aiming to publish it between May and July. A government spokesperson said: “At the budget, the chancellor confirmed that the second phase of the spending review would conclude in late spring – we are still on track to deliver this.”
Reeves announced a one-year spending review at last month’s budget, allowing departments to plan until 2025-26.
As a result of that review, certain departments received significant real-terms rises in their budgets, including health which was given an additional £25bn over the next two years, equivalent to a rise of 3.8% above inflation. Others saw theirs cut substantially, including the Home Office where the budget is set to fall 2.7% in real terms, and the Department for Transport which received a 2.5% cut.
The process of agreeing that one-year review was occasionally fractious, with several cabinet ministers writing to Keir Starmer protesting against the cuts they were being expected to provide.
It was revealed last month that cabinet ministers were particularly unhappy about being asked to make capital spending cuts of as much as 10% in an effort to find immediate savings, though in the end the Treasury found money for most departments to increase their capital spending.
Officials are preparing for similarly difficult debates across Whitehall in advance of next year’s review, which is being seen as more important because it will set budgets that cannot be revisited until 2029.
Under current Treasury assumptions, budgets for day-to-day spending will rise on average by 1.5% above inflation. But much of that money will be given over the next two years to protected departments such as health and defence, leaving others facing cuts across the next spending review period.
The Office for Budget Responsibility said in October that the plans from Reeves would mean cuts of 1.3% on average for unprotected departments from 2025-26 until 2028-29. Experts have said that could damage certain already-stretched public services such as courts, border control and local government just before the next election.
The Institute for Government published a briefing paper this month entitled “Austerity postponed?” in which its experts said: “Spending is heavily front-loaded. Current plans beyond 2025-26 once again imply cuts to unprotected departments, which will make it difficult for some services – local government and the criminal justice system in particular – to improve before the next election.”
Earlier this week, Reeves sought to assure British industry, saying she would not increase taxes for the remainder of the current Parliament, following the increases for companies and individuals announced in the Labour government’s first budget on October 30.
Reeves also said that public services would not receive any more funding than what was already allocated and would have to live within their means.
“We’ve now drawn a line under the fiction held by the previous government to put our public finances back on a firm putting and we’ve now set the budget for public services for the duration of this Parliament,” Reeves told business representatives at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference.
The cost of living and the economy were among the top reasons for the swing away from the Conservatives in the July 5th general election, which saw the end of a series of Tory governments that ran the country for 14 years. Weeks after taking office, the Labour government had said there was a public finance “black hole” of £22bn left by the Conservatives.
“Public Services now need to live within their needs, because I’m really clear I’m not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes,”. Reeves said.
The October budget had announced a £70bn increase in spending in 2026-27 and a £40bn tax increase, including an aggregate £25bn increase in employer contributions via ‘national insurance’, which is set to increase by 1.2% from next year. Other tax increases included ending the allowances on foreign assets and income for non-domiciled (‘non-dom’) U.K. residents, a capital gains tax increase and higher “windfall tax” on energy companies.
Some businesses have criticized the government for increasing the cost of employment. “Historically we’ve been super bullish on the United Kingdom… going forward, it’s becoming harder to understand what the case for investment is,” Salman Amin, CEO of snack food company Pladis, which owns makers of well-known British biscuit brand McVitie, said on Monday .
ONS says net migration is now beginning to fall but remains high by ‘historic standards’…reports Asian Lite News
Net migration to the UK hit a record high in 2023 of 906,000 in a period covering Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak’s premierships, revised estimates show. The measure for the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving the country then dropped by 20% in the latest period, the 12 months to June 2024, and now stands at 728,000.
The total for net immigration in the year to June 2023 has been revised upwards by 166,000 from the initial estimate of 740,000, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures published on Thursday.
A similar change has been made to the estimate for net immigration in the year to December 2023, which was initially estimated to be 685,000, and is now thought to be 866,000 – an increase of 181,000. The ONS said that while remaining high by “historic standards”, net migration was now “beginning to fall”.
Government spending on asylum in the UK stood at £5.38bn in 2023-24, up 36% from £3.95bn in 2022-23, Home Office figures show.
The ONS has continued to review its net immigration figures as more complete data becomes available and has improved how it estimates the migration behaviour of people arriving in the UK from outside the European Union.
Better analysis of the number of people coming to the UK amid the conflict in Ukraine has also been taken into account. A statement from the ONS said: “Estimates in this release have been updated back to YE June 2021. For example, net migration has been revised upwards by 166,000 for YE [year ending] June 2023 and by 181,000 for YE December 2023. Reasons for these revisions include: more available data, more information on Ukraine visas and improvements to how we estimate migration of non-EU+ nationals.”
The latest tranche of figures cover a period before Labour took power in July. The most recent drop has been fuelled by Rishi Sunak’s policies of banning most international students and health and social care workers from bringing relatives with them to the UK, and hiking the salary required to sponsor a foreign spouse coming to Britain.
The figures covering the previous Conservative government are a reminder of the political repercussions of unkept promises on immigration, according to an immigration thinktank.
Sunder Katwala, director of the migration thinktank British Future, said: “[Keir] Starmer will oversee a continuing fall from the record levels of net migration but his challenge now is to manage the trade-offs on migration for the economy, NHS, universities and social care.
“It remains to be seen how much the public will notice a fall in visa numbers if there is no progress on controlling the much more visible Channel crossings.”
In the year to June 2024, about 94,000 fewer people applied to travel to the UK on study visas than in the previous 12 months, according to Home Office data from earlier this month.
“Study visa” figures include family members or other dependants of students – but from January 2024 many students were prohibited from bringing them with them, under visa changes by the then Conservative government.
Applications for health and care workers and their dependants remained slightly higher in the year to June than in the previous year – mainly driven by a surge in the second half of 2023. But care workers were also barred from bringing in dependants under visa changes in March 2024.
Skilled worker visa applications increased slightly over the same period, with a noticeable rise before a government shake-up of the jobs this visa applies to in April 2024. Applications have since fallen.
Meanwhile, Starmer has accused the Conservatives of running an “open borders experiment” after new figures showed that net migration to the UK hit a record high of nearly 1 million in a period covering Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak’s administrations.
The prime minister announced a deal with Iraq to tackle people-smugglers and a white paper to overhaul the visa system, before demanding “an explanation” from Kemi Badenoch for her party’s decision to “deliberately liberalise immigration” after the Brexit vote.
His accusation followed the release of official figures that showed the number of people entering the UK, minus those leaving, reached 906,000 in the year ending June 2023. The estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) were revised upwards from a previous estimate of 740,000.
At a Downing Street press conference, Starmer said the failure of successive Conservative governments to control the numbers entering the UK was “unforgivable”, adding: “Failure on this scale isn’t just bad luck. This happened by design, not accident.
“Policies were reformed deliberately to liberalise immigration. Brexit was used for that purpose, to turn Britain into a one-nation experiment in open borders.”
His comments came after Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, signed an agreement with Baghdad to ensure close cooperation to tackle organised crime networks, a faster return of refused asylum seekers and the formation of a new taskforce aimed at breaking up migration routes to the UK..
A total of £800,000 of UK money would be spent on training, support for the Kurdistan regional government and on disruption of organised crime, the government said.
Smuggling networks operating out of Iraq and Kurdistan have been responsible for trafficking thousands of people, including across the Channel to the UK, according to the Home Office .
Pacts include a joint UK-Iraq “statement on border security” committing both countries to work more closely in tackling people smuggling and border security…reports Asian Lite News
The government said Thursday it had struck a “world-first security agreement” and other cooperation deals with Iraq to target people-smuggling gangs and strengthen its border security.
Interior minister Yvette Cooper said the pacts sent “a clear signal to the criminal smuggling gangs that we are determined to work across the globe to go after them.”
They follow a visit this week by Cooper to Iraq and its autonomous Kurdistan region, when she met federal and regional government officials.
“Organized criminals operate across borders, so law enforcement needs to operate across borders too,” she said in a statement.
Cooper noted people-smuggling gangs’ operations “stretch back through Northern France, Germany, across Europe, to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond.”
“The increasingly global nature of organized immigration crime means that even countries that are thousands of miles apart must work more closely together,” she added.
The pacts include a joint UK-Iraq “statement on border security” committing both countries to work more closely in tackling people smuggling and border security.
The two countries signed another statement on migration to speed up the returns of people who have no right to be in the UK and help reintegration programs to support returnees.
As part of the agreements, London will also provide up to £300,000 ($380,000) for Iraqi law enforcement training in border security.
It will be focused on countering organized immigration crime and narcotics, and increasing the capacity and capability of Iraq’s border enforcement.
The UK has pledged another £200,000 to support projects in the Kurdistan region, “which will enhance capabilities concerning irregular migration and border security, including a new taskforce.”
Other measures within the agreements include a communications campaign “to counter the misinformation and myths that people-smugglers post online.”
Cooper’s interior ministry said collectively they were “the biggest operational package to tackle serious organized crime and people smuggling between the two countries ever.”
Govt opens pre-travel requirement to non-Europeans
Meanwhile, the government is introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for millions of visitors who pass through the UK border every year, including six million from the USA, Canada, and Australia. From today all eligible non-European visitors can apply for an ETA and will need one to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
Next year, we will open ETA to eligible Europeans, who will be able to apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025. From April 2025, all visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays and who do not already have a UK immigration status will need an ETA.
This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to Gulf Cooperation Council nationals earlier this year. In the first half of 2024, over 243,000 Gulf nationals were issued with ETAs and can now benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips.
In 2023, visitors from the USA, Canada, and Australia alone contributed £8.8 billion to the UK economy, supporting the UK’s tourist industry and boosting local businesses across the country. ETAs will enhance security through new technology and make the UK border more efficient, preserving the UK’s appeal as a dynamic, diverse, and exciting destination to visit.
Eligible visitors should apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app, which is quick and simple to use and enables most applicants to receive a decision in hours. Visitors can also apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP, said, “This expansion of ETA is a significant step forward in delivering a border that’s efficient and fit for the digital age. Through light-touch screening before people step foot in the UK, we will keep our country safe while ensuring visitors have a smooth travel experience.”
An ETA costs £10, permits multiple journeys, and lasts for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. Once granted, ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and allow for stays of up to six months at a time – including both short trips and more extended stays. An ETA is not a visa, it is a digital permission to travel.
All travellers to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance through either an ETA or an eVisa. Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas lets UK visa holders use online immigration services, take control of their data and prevent against documents being lost, stolen or tampered with.
To ensure the smooth implementation of a digitised border, the UK Government continues to work closely with the travel industry, including airline, maritime and rail carriers, and is delivering a communications campaign to reach visitors about the steps they need to take before they travel to the UK.
As the news about Chinmoy Krishna’s arrest spread on social media, several protests broke out in Chittagong, demanding his immediate release….reports Asian Lite News
The U.K. Conservative MP Bob Blackman lashed out at the Bangladeshi interim government over the attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August this year.
“I condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Freedom of religion must be preserved globally,” the MP wrote on X.
He added, “I am also concerned by the attempt in their High Court to rule that #ISKCON should be banned from the country.”
He added that there was an attempt made in the Bangladesh court to ban the ISKCON which is a direct threat to minorities in the country.
“We have fought for the freedom of Bangladeshi and we cannot allow any government there to persecute minorities there,” the MP said.
Chinmoy Krishna, also known as Krishna Prabhu Das, was taken into custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday at 4:30 pm.
Chinmoy Krishna Das was taken into custody by Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Monday.
Chinmoy Krishna was not only associated with the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajot (BJHM), a grand national alliance of 23 religious organisations in the country but also with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
As the news about Chinmoy Krishna’s arrest spread on social media, several protests broke out in Chittagong, demanding his immediate release.
It was reported that protesters marched and rallied at the Cheragi intersection in the city, chanting slogans and demanding his release.
Several videos that went viral on social media late Monday evening showed Bangladeshi policemen targeting the protestors who were marching towards the Cheragi intersection.
The incidents of vandalism, looting, arson, land grabbing, and threats to leave the country have been repeatedly inflicted on the Hindu community after the interim government was sworn in on August 8 under the leadership of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
The Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad had earlier sent an ‘open letter’ to Yunus, expressing “profound sorrow and concern” over a particular group’s “unprecedented violence” against the minorities.
Dr. Mohan Yadav extended an invitation to Indian-origin industrialists in the UK, stating that their investment in Madhya Pradesh would not only enhance employment opportunities in the state but also expand their businesses, forming a long-lasting partnership with the state, reports Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, campaigning to invite global investors to the Global Investors Summit to be held in Bhopal in February 2025, addressed an interactive session with industrialists during a roadshow in London, UK, on Tuesday 26th November 2024. Inviting the industrialists to invest in Madhya Pradesh, he highlighted that the state possesses one of the largest land banks in the country. Madhya Pradesh has transparent and investor-friendly policies and is a leader in the mining and agricultural sectors in India. While addressing the industrialists during the session in London, Dr. Yadav said that even after facing challenges, the relations between India and the UK remain strong because of their shared democratic heritage.
Dr. Yadav praised the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rapid industrial development seen across India.
He attributed India’s rapid development and political stability to the miraculous leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He reminded everyone of how PM Modi turned the challenge of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity, proving India’s capability in overcoming crises. Under his leadership, not only was India safeguarded, but the world was also supported, which enhanced India’s reputation globally. PM Modi’s clarity of vision and firm resolve have created a favorable environment for industrial investments in India.
In the interactive session titled Investment Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Yadav informed the industrialists that before reaching out to foreign investors, significant improvements were made within the state, and a campaign was initiated to invite industrialists from across the country to Madhya Pradesh. As a result, investments worth thousands of crores became possible. Dr. Yadav shared that renowned industrialist Lakshmi Mittal appreciated the investment opportunities in the state during a recent meeting. He also expressed delight that an Indian-origin real estate entrepreneur from the UK has shown interest in investing ₹25,000 crore to set up a semiconductor chip manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradesh.
Dr. Yadav extended an invitation to Indian-origin industrialists in the UK, stating that their investment in Madhya Pradesh would not only enhance employment opportunities in the state but also expand their businesses, forming a long-lasting partnership with the state.
Madhya Pradesh ranks among the top five states in India for ease of doing business
India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Vikram Doraiswami, described Madhya Pradesh as an ideal destination for industrial investments. He praised PM Modi’s leadership and stated that India has emerged as one of the best places for doing business under his tenure. Mr. Doraiswami emphasized that Madhya Pradesh ranks among the top five states in India for ease of doing business. With vast land availability, the highest agricultural growth rate, and industry-friendly policies, Madhya Pradesh presents unlimited opportunities for investors.
Mr. Doraiswami noted that Madhya Pradesh’s central location makes it an excellent hub for industries, as products can be easily transported across India and the globe. With abundant natural resources and comparatively low competition, Madhya Pradesh offers a lucrative opportunity for investors. The state’s transparent policies enable both global expansion for businesses and significant growth for investors.
AVGC Policy Underway in Madhya Pradesh
Additional Chief Secretary for Science and Technology, Mr. Sanjay Dubey, presented the investment opportunities in the IT/ITES and ESDM sectors. He highlighted the state’s vibrant tech ecosystem and government support for IT investments. Madhya Pradesh’s IT/ITES and ESDM Policy-2023 and Startup Policy provide several benefits to entrepreneurs, including capital expenditure support and non-financial assistance. The state is also drafting an AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) policy. With over 1,200 IT startups, including two unicorns, Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a hub of innovation and enterprise.
Mr. Dubey further mentioned that Madhya Pradesh offers affordable rental costs and high quality of life. The state’s favorable air quality index (AQI) and ease of living make it an attractive destination for both industries and their workforce. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized providing various incentives tailored to the needs of the IT, ITES, ESDM, and data center sectors. For investments exceeding 20 million pounds in the SET sector, the Cabinet Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, recommends additional incentives.
Dr Mohan Yadav with London-based businessman Tarun Ghulati
Madhya Pradesh: Rich in Resources and Opportunities
Principal Secretary for Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Mr. Raghvendra Kumar Singh, outlined the state’s geographical, economic, and natural strengths. Madhya Pradesh is the largest state in India, covering 308,000 sq. km, with 77,500 sq. km of forest area. It is rich in minerals like diamonds, copper, and manganese. The state is the second-largest food grain producer and the largest wheat exporter in India. Additionally, it is a power-surplus state, generating 31 GW of electricity, ensuring a consistent and affordable power supply for industries.
He also highlighted the state’s skilled workforce, with over 200,000 graduates entering the labor market annually. Madhya Pradesh boasts over 4,600 DPIIT-recognized startups and 1.4 crore MSME units, showcasing its entrepreneurial potential. The state’s industrial corridors, multimodal logistics parks, and international air connectivity provide seamless operations for industries and supply chain efficiency.
Madhya Pradesh: A State that Supports Industrial Growth
Mr. Samik Basu, CFO of Clini Supplies Limited (UK), shared his positive experience of investing in Madhya Pradesh. After considering several locations through Invest India, the company chose the Vikram Udyogpuri Industrial Estate on Ujjain-Devas Road. Within 18 months, they established a medical equipment manufacturing unit. Mr. Basu appreciated the state government and MPIDC for their full support, mentioning that the land allocation process was completed within eight weeks, and the green energy supply was operational within three weeks. He concluded that Madhya Pradesh is the best place to invest in India.
Chandramauli Shukla
MPIDC Managing Director, Mr. Chandramouli Shukla, expressed gratitude to the Indian diaspora in the UK and assured them of the state’s continued support for future investments.
Indian High Commission in London remembered the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai through a photo exhibition. Along with CM Mohan Yadav, UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, Lord Rami Ranger, Former union minister Smriti Irani, and former Labour MP Virendra Sharma paid tributes to the 166 lives lost in the terror attack.
CM Yadav highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s opportunities, announcing investment proposals exceeding ₹60,000 crore in sectors like education, agriculture, medicine, and technology….reports Asian Lite News
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav concluded his three-day visit to the United Kingdom, during which he announced that the state government had received investment proposals amounting to nearly Rs 60,000 crore. Before departing for Germany, he highlighted the significance of the trip in fostering international collaboration and attracting investments.
Speaking about the visit, CM Yadav said, “This visit holds great importance in many ways. Madhya Pradesh today offers numerous opportunities and cutting-edge technology. Many investors have expressed interest across various sectors such as education, innovation, agriculture, mining, services, and medicine. We have received investment proposals exceeding Rs 60,000 crore.”
During his visit, the Chief Minister toured the campus of WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group). He remarked, “Over 30,000 students study here. We aim to conduct research activities and leverage this knowledge not only for industrial advancement but also for societal benefit. I also interacted with Indian students and students from Madhya Pradesh. Students from all over the world are coming here to learn.”
As his UK trip reached its conclusion, CM Yadav announced his next destination, Germany. He also shared details of his visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, where he offered prayers and met with members of the seer community.
He said, “Today, I had the opportunity to visit the Swaminarayan Temple. In Madhya Pradesh, we have two Jyotirlingas. I met with representatives of the Swaminarayan Temple and ISKCON International and hope that similar temples will be built in Madhya Pradesh as well.”
On Wednesday, CM Yadav visited Warwick University in London, where he interacted with Professor Robin Clark, Dean of Warwick Manufacturing Group, as well as Indian students studying at the university.
Earlier in the day, he offered prayers at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and praised the Hindu Sanatana culture. Highlighting its global presence, he stated, “The beauty of Sanatana Dharma lies in its diversity and inclusivity. It is a unique feature of our religion that various branches of Hindu Sanatana culture are followed worldwide. We worship 33 crore deities in their different forms and live by the paths they have shown us.”
He emphasised the core principles of the faith, saying, “Our religion teaches us to live peacefully and allow others to live, following the path of non-violence. The Swaminarayan Sampradaya has brought great pride to our country. During my visit to Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, I prayed and sought blessings.”
Commenting on the temple’s architecture, the Chief Minister said, “The craftsmanship in the wood carvings and artefacts is extraordinary. These creations not only reflect aesthetic beauty but also inspire human virtues. Sanatana Dharma teaches us to overcome challenges and uphold humanity.”
CM Yadav is on a six-day visit to the United Kingdom and Germany, with the aim of attracting investments through engagements with industrialists, business leaders, and government representatives in both nations. (ANI)
The figures offer further evidence of the extent to which the fighting in the Middle East has led to polarization and hateful rhetoric in Europe and the US. …reports Asian Lite News
Regulators in the UK investigating breaches of rules by charitable organizations during their activities linked to the war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza have referred 40 cases to the police since the Oct. 7 attacks last year.
The Charity Commission also opened 200 regulatory cases related to the conflict during the same period, the watchdog’s chairperson, Orlando Fraser, said.
The figures offer further evidence of the extent to which the fighting in the Middle East has led to polarization and hateful rhetoric in Europe and the US. In the UK’s charity sector, where many of the organizations have religious affiliations, the conflict has resulted in hundreds of cases the Charity Commission has felt the need to investigate.
The watchdog has moved robustly to take action against “perpetrators of concerning activities linked to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, including antisemitic and hate speech,” Fraser said during a speech at the commission’s annual general meeting on Tuesday.
The 200 regulatory cases related to the war it has looked into involved charities “with different views on the conflict,” he added. The 40 referrals to the police were made in cases where the commission considered criminal offenses might have been committed.
“We are clear that charities must never become vehicles for hate and we have robustly enforced that position,” Fraser said.
Lammy paid tribute to consular staff but said that in “more complex cases” there were issues that required a “tightening of grip” by the Foreign Office. …reports Asian Lite News
David Lammy has said he plans to appoint an envoy to deal with “complex detention cases” involving Britons abroad and give them a legal right to consular access. The foreign secretary said he had been “looking hard” at the thousands of cases a year involving people who require consular assistance.
“I do hope to announce an envoy, a special … an individual who will deal with more complex detention cases,” he told the foreign affairs select committee on Wednesday.
Lammy paid tribute to consular staff but said that in “more complex cases” there were issues that required a “tightening of grip” by the Foreign Office. Asked about the Labour manifesto commitment to give UK citizens a legal right to consular access when they run into trouble overseas, he said: “We will be coming forward with plans.”
“I have been looking hard at the 28,000 people at any one time that come through our system … It’s varied, from someone who was arrested for being drunk in Magaluf to, sadly, there have been high-profile cases where British citizens have sadly lost their lives for varied reasons abroad,” Lammy told MPs.
The Foreign Office says that in any given year it supports about 20,000-25,000 British nationals and their families, including about 4,000-5,000 detained or arrested abroad. Appointing a special government envoy to help secure the freedom of Britons detained for years without trial would fulfil a promise Lammy made in opposition.
Earlier on Wednesday, Lammy met the family of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the British-Egyptian software developer and democracy activist who is Egypt’s most high-profile political prisoner. He was due to be released in September but has not been freed, and his mother, Laila, is on hunger strike.
At a press conference, Laila Soueif and her two daughters Sanaa and Mona said they felt listened to by Lammy but that he had made no concrete promises and they wished the meeting had happened months ago.
“He listened to me, I hope my message got through. My main message was that I’m on hunger strike, I’m not about to break my hunger strike until Alaa is released,” Soueif, who has lost 16kg (35lbs) since starting her strike, told the Guardian. “We’ve had a lucky break by the fact that my body has been so resilient and my body has not collapsed.”
To date, Abd el-Fattah has yet to have a visit from the British consulate. “Things like consular access can be pushed on a ministerial level and I still want to see progress on that,” said Soueif, adding that it would “make a lot of difference” for her son’s morale.
Sebastien Lai, the son of detained media mogul and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, was in the room for Lammy’s first committee hearing as foreign secretary. His father, whose trial resumed last week after repeated delays, has been in a Hong Kong jail cell for almost four years. He is being held in solitary confinement and faces a life sentence if convicted.
Asked about Canada, the US and Australia getting several of their detained citizens out of China in recent years, Lammy said the UK had been held back by the “lack of engagement” with Beijing under the Conservatives.
Lai’s supporters have said the UK government’s support for him has been “ridiculously” lacking compared with the US, Canada and Australia, which have lobbied for him. Keir Starmer raised Lai’s case at his bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, on the margins of the G20 summit in Brazil earlier this month.
